Description

During the American Civil War, ballooning was an experimental effort to evaluate the effectiveness of balloons as an observation platform. While both sides of the conflict used balloons for this purpose, it was the Confederate Navy that was the first to transport balloons on makeshift vessels up and down river to achieve more mobile observation ability. CSS Teaser, a 64-ton armed tug, was originally a civilian tugboat that was purchased by the State of Virginia in April 1861 and was later transferred to the Confederate States Navy. She participated in the 8-9 March 1862 actions at Hampton Roads in which CSS Virginia engaged the Monitor. Afterwards, Teaser was used to serve as an observation balloon carrier on the James River. While considered a mundane task at the time, this “task” made the CSS Teaser the first US Aircraft Carrier. While a reasonably easy kit to build, experience is required to construct the vacuum formed balloon and its rigging. The rigging is made from delicate brass wire, so this model is not recommended for younger builders.